A new book examined the evidence on alcohol advertising and marketing effects on young people. Methodological weaknesses 'abounded' in studies of the purported effects of alcohol advertising and other forms of marketing. The significance of advertising as an agent that shaped young people's alcohol consumption could be weaker than often thought.
Source: Barrie Gunter, Anders Hansen and Maria Touri, Alcohol Advertising and Young People's Drinking: Representation, reception and regulation, Palgrave Macmillan
Links: Summary
Date: 2010-Oct
The government responded to a report by a committee of MPs on alcohol promotion. It said that it was premature to consider tougher regulatory action, and that the emphasis should instead be placed on education and self-regulation.
Source: The Government Response to the Health Select Committee Report on Alcohol, Cm 7832, Department of Health/TSO
Links: Response | Hansard | MPs report | Advertising Association press release | Guardian report
Date: 2010-Mar
A think-tank report called for a debate about the need for tighter regulation of the advertising industry. It said that there should be a complete ban on advertising aimed at children under the age of 12.
Source: Zoe Gannon and Neal Lawson, The Advertising Effect: How do we get the balance of advertising right, Compass
Links: Report | Advertising Association press release | Guardian report
Date: 2010-Feb
The report was published of an independent review into the 'sexualization' of young people. It looked at how sexualized images and messages might be affecting the development of children and young people, and influencing cultural norms. It also examined the evidence for a link between sexualization and violence.
Source: Linda Papadopoulos, Sexualisation of Young People: Review, Home Office
Links: Report | Home Office press release | Guardian report | BBC report
Date: 2010-Feb
A committee of MSPs published a commissioned research report that examined the prevalence of 'sexualized goods' – such as toys and clothing – that appeared to be aimed at children under the age of 16.
Source: External Research on Sexualised Goods Aimed at Children, 2nd Report 2010, SP Paper 374, Scottish Parliament Equal Opportunities Committee
Links: Report | Scottish Parliament press release
Date: 2010-Jan
An article examined internal marketing documents from alcohol producers and their communications agencies, in order to understand the thinking and strategic planning that underpinned alcohol advertising. Although the content of alcohol advertisements was restricted, advertisers were still managing to appeal to young people and promote drinking.
Source: Gerard Hastings et al., 'Failure of self regulation of UK alcohol advertising', British Medical Journal, 20 January 2010
Links: Article | Advertising Association press release | Guardian report
Date: 2010-Jan